The Creative Teacher

2. Secrets of being Creative

First of all, remember your past successes, both small and large. These are valuable resources, because if you did it once you can do it again. Remind yourself of that when you're looking for a new way to do something.

Remember that failure leads to success. Many great inventors and scientists lived through countless failures before becoming successful. So be willing to take the risk of being wrong in order to arrive at getting it right.

You can train yourself and your students to be creative through playing mental games. Your brain like other parts of your body needs to be kept in good condition. Here are some techniques you can use.

• Invent metaphors to describe something to someone.

• Listen to Baroque Music. These composers used very specific beats and patterns that automatically synchronise our minds and bodies. It thus allows you to work in a state of harmony conducive to creative thinking.

• Do crossword puzzles and other word games

• Look at scenes from everyday life and make up stories that could have led to them. The newspaper or just personal observation will provide you with a rich source of material.

• Don't forget to listen to your right brain speaking. Many times dreams and fantasies are products of your subconscious mind working on solutions to a problem. Listen to them even if they seem farfetched, because wild dreams to lead to innovative solutions. This is the basis of all good brainstorming.

• Play! Let the inner child come out and provide fresh insight.